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%k ?ttjnnaH at? ?fc?H. WBDKBSDAY, NOV. 14, 1894 BAT CATCHER BILL. AN ODD NEW YORK CHARACTER TALKS OF HIS PROFESSION. The Business HM Gone to tb? Dog!, Meta? phorically Speaking-lu the Good Old Days Before the & P. C. Ju-The Pro? fessor Tells Something of His Methods. There are. bat six professional rat catchers in New York city, and only two of these have regular places of busi? ness. The profession has gone to the dogs. This statement; while used as a metaphor, is also a paradox. As a mat? ter of fact, the business has not gone to tho dogs, but simply declined because the state laws against rat baiting are very severe and are rigidly enforced by the officers of the a P. C. A. In the "good old days" there was money in rat catching. The "prof essor, " armed with his lantern and tongs and accompanied by a humble apprentice to "hold the bag," would sally forth and make an arrangement with some restaurant or stable proprietor to relieve the premises of a portion of its popula? tion of rodents at so much per rat, gen? erally "10 cents per." An hour later these same rats would figure in some Center street or Bowery pit as objects of the prowess of some fancy black and tan or rough haired terrier, the admir? ing owner of it cheerfully paying 25 cents each, or five for $1, for them. William A. Heitler, who claims to be "the original Bill the Bat Catcher," a title gained in 18 years' service with Harry Jennings, whose memory is kept green among "the fancy," said, in dis? cussing the decadence of his profession : "The business isn't what it used to be. Then we made our own terms and made money at both ends. Then we dealt with the people direct Now we have got to deal with the agents, if a flat is overrun with rats, the tenant threatens to move. Then the agent writes on a postal card, 'Bill, rid this fiat of rats. ' That is mostly daylight work. I go up to the fiat and set my traps and keep a-setting them until there isn't anything to catch. " "Don't you use ferrets?" "Yes, I use ferrets in my business, but not in fiat houses. Don't you know that a rat killed by a ferret is just the same as a poisoned rat under the floor or in the wall? I sell ferrets, but what good are they? Now, when wedean out a fiat, why, then, we sell the lady some stuff to keep them out. It does the work all right; only it drives them into some other fiat "The real art in this here profession is night work. It ain't really what you would call artistic, but it is more like sleight hand. In the daytime you go to the place and go all over the halls and nail pieces of tin over most of the holes. A house is to the rats just like a town is to peopla There are avenues and alleys. "Now, just imagine that some night ! a lot of policemen would start from the North river and the East river, biniul- j taneouslike, and chase everybody into Broadway, and then set 'em all go? ing to the Battery. Well, that's the] way we do with rats. We plug up all the ends of the side streets, you might say, and get them on to a Broadway. "We do this by turning several fer? rets loose to stir them up. The cellar is where I want them. There I am with my little bullseye lantern and my long tongs. The rat starts across the floor. I bear him and flash the lanterns. The minute the round light spot strikes him he comes to a dead standstill. He seems paralyzed, and he won't move under five seconds. Then is my chance. "If I want to save him to try a dog with, I reach forward, and with my tongs grab him by the tail. If I don't want a live rat-and there ain't much call for them now-I break his back with the tongs.. 4 'The biggest night's work I ever done was killing 960 rats at Willard's hotel in Washington. When I got through that job, I felt like proposing'to the government to rid the wharves and docks of the country of rats. Now, that is all there is to rat catching. The work isn't dangerous, except when you tackle the rats on a ship. When the Spanish training ship was here, I took 156 rats off her. They were not like the house rats we have here. They were slim and gray, with tails twice as long as their bodies. They were as active as monkeys. "To give you an idea. I have a lit? tle dog that has killed 50 rats in 18 minutes. I put 20 of these ship rats into a pit with him, and at the end of 50 minutes he had only killed seven. They did not fight him, but they simply kept out of his way, jumping over him when he would rush. "But, as I was a-saying, the time was when a rat catcher had money to burn. It was a dull night that he didn't clear his $25 or $35. Now he can't .make that in a week in the busy season, including what he gets for trimming dogs' ears, selling ferrets and things like that. When you have to deal with real estate agents, you ain't going to get jiQne the best of it " "Did you ever try the scheme of bell isg-.a rat? They say that will scare all the other rats away?" ?"I.only know this: If you put a bell on a trat, he will be found dead in the walls inside of two days. It is my be? lief that .the other rats kill him; but, say, it you ever want to stir up a rat colony, -catch one old fellow, smear him with phosphorous paste and send him on his travels. "In the winter I sell a great many live rats to the medical colleges. They use them in experiments. There is a big tannery over in Newark that gives 8 cents apiece for rat hides. The skin must be perfect, however. "The least tear makes it no good, and it is hardly worth while skinning them, so many are rejected. They tan the skin soft, like kid, and tan it with the hair on. The skins are not used to make kid gloves. They told me the last time I took 12 dozen over there that they were..used for lining gloves."? The First National Bank of San j Bernardino, Oal., closed its doors yester? day; Prof. Zacharie, the Czar's physician, ha8 been mobbed by Ibo medical stu? dents of Moscow. They smashed io all the windows of lats boase with stones. Prof. Leyden tells what killed the Czar as follow*): "The post mortem examination established the accuracy of our diagnosis-chronic nephritis, with commencing atrophy ot the kidney, secondary enlargement of the heart and sporadic inflammation of the left lung. The stomach was intact. The stories ascribing the Czar's illness to poisoning are absolute fiction.1' Cn the West the railroads are the leaders in immigration and coloniza? tion societies. They ruo emigrant trains, and keep emigrant agents con? stantly at work to induce emigrants to travel over their libes, and settle upon lands which they reach. Certain of the Southern roads have learned the wisdom of. this, and are colonizing thrifty settlers along their lines. Augusta, (Ga.) Chronicle. A special from Bichmond, Ya., says: The Republicans will make contests in four districts of this State. These are tue 2d, 4th 6tb and 10th, and possibly in others. They base their contests upon the operation of the new Waltoo election law. Under this many votes were thrown ont on account of beiog improperly prepared. In one county as many as five hundred and another as many as seven hundred votes, were re? jected on this account, it is probable that the cumber of votes rejected in the State on this account will reach many thousands. Another point of contest will be the unconstitutionality of the new law. This latter point, however, is not regarded as having much if any force. The Home Product Co-operative Life is not a "wild cat" scheme. It is based oe sound principles, and experience of all life insurance from the beginning of tbe business. It is new and avoids th? errors of tbe old. Dr. J. A. Mood will be the medical examiner ia chief, and they intend to require as careful examina? tion as any insurance company. When Baby was sicfc, we gave her Castorfs, When she was a Crud, she cried for Castoria. When she became Miss, she ching to Castoria. When she had Children, she gave them Castorf? Say! Yon Bee-Keeper! Send for a free sample copy of Root's handsomely illustrated 36-p*ge, Gleanings io Bee-Culture, Semi-Moothlv, (Si.00 a year) and his 52-pages illus, catalog of Bee Keeper's Supplies free for your name and address on a postal. His* A B C of Bee Culture, 400 dooble-column pp price $1.25, is just the book for you. Mention this paper. Address A. I. Root, the Bee-Man, Medina, O. B Poisoned LOOD Is a source of much suffering. 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PREVENTIVE W BRJm by e:Li:rrc^ it !c ::npor,.siblitoccnitrac* ^??^.n** ^SS? any VCHC-CAI disease; hut in the eise of those already U?rn?TOK?T*i.r Arrucrxo _wuh Gonorrhea, .md Gleet, wc gu<ir<;u. af" TP "B3? ' Buttes a euro. Piri cc h y rrr 3 il. postago pal ^, n# dMk?aflijUper??-S,O?-CL???jr??. Forsaleby Dr. J. F. W. DeLorrne. Sumter. S .C DO YOU KNOW DR. FELIX LE BRUN'S STEEL ill PEJNYHOYft PIUS are the original and only FRENCH, safe and re? liable cure on the market. Price $1.00; sent by ma?. Genuine sold only by Dr. J. F. W. DeLorme, Sumter, S. C. VITAL TO MANHOOD. Ba. E. C. WEST'S NERVE AND BRAIN TREAT? MENT, a specific for Hysteria, Dizziness, Fits, Neu? ralgia, Headache, Nervous Prostration caused by alcohol or tobacco, Wakefulness, Mental Depression, Softening of Brain, causing insanity, misery, decay, death, Premature Old Age, Barrenness, Loss of Power in either sex, Impotency, Leucorrhcea and all Female Weaknesses, Involuntary Losses, Sperma? torrhoea ca?*ed by over-exertion of brain, Self abuse, over-Indulgence. A month's treatment, SI, 6 for $5, by ma?. With each order for 6 boxes, with $5 will send written guarantee to refund if not cured. Guarantees issued by eurent. WEST'S LIVER PILLS cures Sick Headache, Biliousness', lliver Complaint, Sour Stomach, Dyspepsia and Constipation. GUARANTEES issued only by J. F. W. DeLorme, Sumter, S. C. 1890. 1894. A. C. PHELPS ft CO., taral tar? Apis, Sumter, ?. C. 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The Semi-Weekly American is published in two issues, Tuesday and Friday mornings, with the news of the week in compact shape. lt also contains interestiug special corres? pondence, entertaining romances, good poetry, local matter of general interest aod fresh miscellany suitable for the borne circle. A carefully edited Agricultural Department, and full and reliable Financial and Market Reports, are special features. TERMS AND PREMIUMS : The Semi-Weekly American, single copy, 1 year.$ 1.00 5 copies, one year, and extra copy of . the Semi-Weekly, one year, or Daily l? months, free. 5.00 10 copies, one year, with an extra copy of the Semi-Weekly one year and Daily 3 months, free.:. 10.00 20 copies, one year, with an extra copy of the Semi-Weekly one y*ar. ?nd ? Darry l months; free...7........ 20.00 30 copies, one year, with an extra copy of the Semi-Weekly and one copy of Daily one year, free..;......... 30.00 The premium copies will be sent to any address desired. Specimen copies sent to any address. It is not necessary for all the names in a club to come from one office, nor is it necessary to send all the names at one time. Send on the names as fast as received. Remittances should be made by check, postal money order or registered letter, as it is un? safe to send money in ordinary letters, and the publisher cannot be responsible for losses occasioned thereby. Entered at the post office at Baltimore, Md., as second-class matter, April 13, 1894. SPECIAL CLUB RATES. The Semi-Week ly American, with any of the following named journals, will be sent one year, to separate addresses, if desired, at the prices given in the first column of fi gores: NAMES OP JOURNALS. American Agriculturist.| $2.25] $ 2.50 American Magazine. Atlantic Monthly. American Farmer. Century Magazine. Christian Union..... Deraorest's Monthly. Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper. ,, Popular Monthly. ,, Plesant Hours'!. " Budget of Wit... Godey's Lady's Book. Harper's Weekly. ,, Magazioe. ,, Bazar. Household. Lippincott's Magazine. Rural New Yorker. Scribner's Magazine.. Seien ti 6c American. St. Nicholas. Turf, Field and Farm. CHAS. C. FULTON & CO. FELIX A GNUS, Manager and Publisher, ' " American Office, BALTIMORE, MD, IMO ?J SB fe? ? R S PER MSNTH ? YOUR OWN LOCALITY nade easily and honorably, without capi? tal,, during your spare hours. Any man, womart,i>oy, or girl cnn do the work hand? ily, without experience. Talking un? necessary. Nothing like it for money? making ever offered before. Our workers always prosper. No time wasted in learning the business. We teach you in a night how to succeed from the first hour. You can make a trial without ex? pense to yourself. We start you, furnish 2 very thing needed to carry on the busi? ness successfully, and guarantee you against failure if you but follow our simple, plain instructions. Reader, i< you are in need of ready money, and want to know all about the best paying business before the public, send us your address, and we will mail you a docu? ment giving you all the particulars. TRUE & CO., Box 400, Augusta, Maine. A, WHITE & SON, Fire Insurance Agency, ESTABLISHED 1866. Represent, among other Companies: LIVERPOOL k LONDON k GLOBE, NORTH BRITISH k MERCANTILE, HOME, of New York.. UNDERWRITERS' AGENCY, N. Y., LANCASTER INSURANCE CO. Capital represented $75,000,000. Feb. 12 W.t. DOUGLAS CUAF 18 THE ?CST. Wli anVk) HOSQUCAKING. \*0*^ *5. CORDOVAN, FRENCHS ENAMELLED CALF ^Mk RNEGALF&r?NoA?Kl W?^?? *5.WMUCE,3S0U5. ?MI *2?SB+ ^?THT^^^^^SEND FOR CATALOGUE TSTMLIMI II " . -"~ ^JWB?P^ BROCKTON, MASS. ! You can save money by.porchaslng W. L. Douglas Shoes, r ? Because, we are the largest manufacturers ol advertised shoes in the world, and guarantee the value by stamping the name and price on Ihe bottom, which protects you against high .prices and the middleman's profits. Our shoes ?quai custom work in style, easy fitting and ?wearing qualities. We have them sold every -tvhere at lower prices for the value given than any other make. Take no substitute. If 3'cmr dealer cannot supply you, wc can. Sold by J. RYTTENBEBG& SONS. A LEADER. JAMES MEANS' SHOES are leaders. Why? Because they have an established reputa? tion, and never fail to give satisfaction. Perfect in style, quality, and fit. Buy JAMES MEANS' 92.00, ?2.50, 83.00, 83.50, 84.00, and 85.00 Shoe, according to your needs. When you are passing our stor e call in and try on a pair. Ave want your custom. We want your friendship.' We shall have both if you will once test a pair of JAMES MEANS' SHOES. ? HAMMOND, The Regulator of Dry Goods at Leading Prices is the AGENT FOB SUMTES, S. C Sign, Green Front, Main Street, H. A. HOYT, MAIN STREET. SUMTER, S. C. SOLD AND SILVER WATCHES, FINE DIAMONDS, Clocks, Jewelry, Spectacles, MERIDEN BRITANIA SILVERWARE, kc. REPAIRING A SPECIALTY. Feb- 1 Order Your PROVISIONS AND GROCERIES FROM $ STEFFENS & SON, Wholesale Agents, Charleston, S. C. -Agents for MOTT'S CIDEE, BED SEAL CIGARS, and DOVE HAMS, THE SIHONDS NATIONAL BANK OP SUMTER. ? STATE, CITY AND COUNTY DEPOSI? TORY, SUMTE it, S. C. Paid up Capital ..... $75,000 00 Sarpins Fund. 12,500 00 Liabilities of Stockholders to "depositors acccordiog to the law governing National Banks, in excess of their stock . . $75,000 00 Transacts a General Banking Business. Careful attention given to collections. SAVINGS DEPARTMENT. Deposits of $1 and upwards received. In? terest allowed at the rate of 4 per cent, per annum. Payable quarterly, on first days of J Januarv. April, July and October. R.M.WALLACE, L. S. CARSON, President. Aug 7. . r.-Cashier-. CAW I OBTAIY A PATENT? Fora prompt answer and an honest opinion, write to MUNN & CO., who have had near?yflf ty years' experience in the notent business. Commun i ca tiona strictly confidential. A Handbook of In? formation concerning Patents and bow to ob? tain them sent free. Also a Catalogne of mechan? ical and scientific hooks sent free. Patents taken through Hmm & Co. receive special notice in the Scientific American, and thus are brought widely before the puttie with? out cost to the inventor. This splendid paper, issued weekly, elegantly illustrated, has by far the largest circulation of any scientific work in the world. 83 a year. Sample copies sent free. . Building Edition, mont hly, f&Oa year. Single copies, 25 cents. ?Svery number <y>n?amg beau? tiful plates, in colors, and photographs of new houses, with plana, enabling builders to show the latest desiens and secure contracts. Address MUNN & CO., NEW TORS, 361 BROADWAY. Main Street. Next to City Hall. SPECIAL ATTENTION Given to Compounding Prescriptions. Dil J JUA SOL?IOl, DENTIST. Office OVER BROWN k BROWN'S STORE, Entrance on Main Street Between Brown k Brown and Durant & Son. OFFICE HOURS: 9 to 1.30; 2 to 5 o'clock. April 9. 2 1 for Infants and Children " Cas tori a is so w??adapted to children that I recommend it as superior to any prescription l:nown to me.,, H. A. ARCHER, M. D., Ill So. Oxford St., Brooklyn, N. Y. "The use of 'Castoria is so universal and its merits so well known that it seems a work of supererogation to endorse it Few are the intelligent famines who do not keep Castorfs within easy reach." CARLOS HARTYS, D. D., New York City Cas to ria cures Colic, Constipation, Sour Stomach, Diarrea, Eructation, Kills Worms, gives sleep, end promotes di? gestion, Without injurious medication. . "For several years I have recommended your ' Castorfs, ' and shall always continue to do so as it has invariably produced beneficial results.'' EDWIN F. PARDEE, 3ff. D., 125th Street and 7th Ave., New York City. THE CENTAUR COMPANY, 77 MURRAY STREET, NEW YORK CITY. JEWELRY: Watches, Diamonds. Sterling and Flated Silverware, LARGE STOCK SUITABLE FOR WEDDING PRESENTS. Clocks, Optical Goods, Fine Knives, Scissors and Razors, Machine Needles, &c. OL.SOM. SIGN OF THE BIG WATCH. ESTABLISHED 1868. Sumter, S. C. j wish to state to the Farmers of Sumter and Clarendon Counties that I bare gotten in a car load of McCORMIC REAPERS, SELF-BINDERS, MOWERS and HAY RAKES. It is a settled fact that the McCormic Co., makes the lightest draft and most durable Grain and Grass cutting machinery made in this or any other country. Our prices are very low and terms easy. Write to me for catalogue, which will be mailed to you free of charge. It contains cuts of all machines and gives full descriptions of them SUMTER, S. C. Mcb 21 G-EO. F. EPPERSON, Agent. Office at Epperson's Livery Stable. Madison Avenue HOTEL, Madison Avenue and 58th Street, NEW YORK. Three Dollars per day and up. American Plan. FIREPROOF AND FIRST-CLASS IN EVERY PARTICULAR. Two blocks from the Third and Sixth Avenue Elevated Railroads. The Madison and Fourth Avenue and Belt Line Cars pass the door. H. M. CLARK, Proprietor. Passenger Elevator runs all night